User interface for thermostat and related devices, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

A user interface for a thermostat that controls a radiator valve can include a user input member that is movable from a home position to a set point increase or decrease position to increase or decrease a set point temperature of the thermostat. In some embodiments, a return mechanism returns the user input member to the home position after being released from one of the set point increase and decrease positions. The user interface can include an indicator panel and controller that controls the indicator panel to provide an indication of when the set point temperature of the thermostat is being adjusted. The user interface can also include a lockout controller that prevents further set point temperature adjustments using the user interface when the set point temperature differs from the environmental temperature by a specified amount.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/807,750, filed Nov. 9, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/419,673, filed Nov. 9, 2016, theentire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a user interface for athermostat and more specifically to a user interface for an electronicthermostatic radiator valve in a zoned heating system.

BACKGROUND

Thermostats are used to provide temperature feedback control in climatecontrol systems. For example, in a radiant heating system, thermostaticradiator valves are positioned in multiple zones in a building toprovide temperature control. Each radiator valve is connected between aboiler and at least one radiator to selectively provide hot water fromthe boiler to the radiator. The thermostat opens the valve when theenvironmental temperature in the zone falls below a set pointtemperature and likewise closes the valve when the environmentaltemperature exceeds the set point. Certain radiator valves include userinterfaces that allow a user to adjust the set point temperature at theradiator valve. User interfaces can include an indicator providing anindication of the detected temperature and an input device that allowsthe user to select a new set point temperature. While lay users willknow whether the environmental temperature in a room suits them (e.g.,whether the environmental temperature is too hot or too cold), they maybe unable to understand what set point temperature can make them morecomfortable in an energy efficient manner. Moreover, radiator valve userinterfaces are often near the floor and/or wall and situated in such away that they are very difficult to read. As a result, when a lay userselects a new set point temperature, it can often be ineffective orinefficient.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a user interface for a thermostatconfigured to control a radiator valve. The user interface can include auser input member that is movable from a home position to a set pointincrease or decrease position to increase or decrease a set pointtemperature of the thermostat. The user interface can also include areturn mechanism for returning the user input member to the homeposition after being released from one of the set point increase anddecrease positions. The user interface can include an indicator paneland a controller that controls the indicator panel to provide anindication of when the set point temperature of the thermostat is beingadjusted. The user interface can also include a lockout controller thatprevents set point temperature adjustments in response to inputs to theuser interface when the set point temperature differs from theenvironmental temperature by a specified amount.

In one aspect, a user interface for adjusting a set point temperature ofa thermostat configured to thermostatically control a radiator valve toselectively convey heating fluid to a radiator to adjust anenvironmental temperature toward the set point comprises a base. A userinput member is mounted on the base for movement with respect to thebase through a range of motion including a home position, a set pointdecrease position, and a set point increase position. The user inputmember is operatively connected to the thermostat to decrease the setpoint temperature when the user input member is moved from the homeposition to the set point decrease position and to increase the setpoint temperature when the user input member is moved from the homeposition to the set point increase position. A return mechanism isoperatively connected to the base and the user input member toautomatically return the user input member to the home position after itis moved to either of the set point decrease position and the set pointincrease position and released.

In another aspect, a user interface for adjusting a set pointtemperature of a thermostat configured to thermostatically control aradiator valve to selectively convey heating fluid to a radiator toadjust an environmental temperature toward the set point temperaturecomprises a base. A user input member mounted on the base for movementwith respect to the base through a range of motion including a homeposition, a set point decrease position, and a set point increaseposition. The user input member is operatively connected to thethermostat to decrease the set point temperature when the user inputmember is moved from the home position to the set point decreaseposition and to increase the set point temperature when the user inputmember is moved from the home position to the set point increaseposition. An indicator light panel is mounted on the base and includesat least a set point decrease light aligned with the set point decreaseposition of the user input member and a set point increase light alignedwith the set point increase position of the user input member. Anindicator controller for controlling the indicator light panel isconfigured to illuminate the set point decrease light when the userinterface is used to decrease a set point temperature and to illuminatethe set point increase light when the user interface is used to increasethe set point temperature.

In yet another aspect, a user interface for adjusting a set pointtemperature of a thermostat configured to thermostatically control aradiator valve to selectively convey heating fluid to a radiator toadjust an environmental temperature toward the set point temperaturecomprises a user input mechanism including a base and a user inputmember that is selectively moveable with respect to the base and isoperatively connected to the thermostat to adjust the set pointtemperature of the thermostat in response to movement of the user inputmember with respect to the base. A set point lockout controller isconfigured to determine when the environmental temperature differs fromthe set point temperature by more than a predetermined maximum offsetand to prevent further adjustment to the set point temperature inresponse to movement of the user input member while the environmentaltemperature differs from the set point temperature by more than thepredetermined maximum offset.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a heating system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic thermostaticradiator valve of the heating system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of the electronic thermostatic radiator valve;

FIG. 3A is another perspective of the electronic thermostatic radiatorvalve illustrating a knob thereof in a home position and a homeindicator light thereof illuminated;

FIG. 3B is a perspective similar to FIG. 3A illustrating the knob of theelectronic thermostatic radiator valve in a set point decrease positionand a set point decrease indicator light of the electronic thermostaticradiator valve illuminated;

FIG. 3C is a perspective similar to FIG. 3A illustrating the knob of theelectronic thermostatic radiator valve in a set point increase positionand a set point increase indicator light of the electronic thermostaticradiator valve illuminated; and

FIG. 4 is another perspective of the electronic thermostatic radiatorwith a user interface thereof exploded away from a base.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 , a zoned radiant heating system is generallyindicated at reference number 10. The radiant heating system 10 employsseparate thermostats in each of a plurality of environmental zones EZ ina building B. As will be explained below, each thermostat has a userinterface that provides intuitive controls for a lay user to makeincremental adjustments to the set point temperature for theenvironmental zone EZ and provides a readily understandable indicator ofthe status of the thermostat. Although the present disclosure describesthe thermostat user interfaces in a zoned radiant heating system 10, itis understood that the user interfaces could also be implemented inother types of environmental control systems. Before describing anexemplary user interface in detail, the present disclosure provides abrief general overview of the radiant heating system 10.

The system 10 includes a boiler 12 that is fluidly connected to a watersupply (not shown). In FIG. 1 , the flow of water into and out ofvarious components of the system 10, such as the boiler 12, isrepresented schematically by bold arrows. For clarity, FIG. 1 does notillustrate the interconnecting plumbing for the entire system. But oneskilled in the art would readily understand how to interconnect thecomponents of the system 10 through conventional plumbing techniques.The boiler 12 is configured to heat water and to supply hot water(broadly, a heating fluid) to various peripheral components of thesystem 10. The boiler 12 may be operatively connected to a controller 20that is configured to control the boiler.

The radiant heating system 10 also includes one or more radiators 30positioned in each environmental zone EZ for heating the respectiveenvironmental zone. In the illustrated embodiment, the building Bincludes three environmental zones EZ. One environmental zone EZincludes two radiators 30 and the other two environmental zones includeone radiator each. It will be understood that the radiant heating systemcan be used with buildings having other numbers of environmental zonesor other numbers of radiators in each zone without departing from thescope of the invention. The radiators 30 are selectively coupled to theboiler 12 to receive the hot water from the boiler. The radiators 30 areconfigured to convey radiant heat from the hot water to the respectiveenvironmental zones EZ.

Each environmental zone EZ includes at least one thermostatic radiatorvalve 32 configured to control the amount of hot water from the boiler12 that is supplied to the radiator(s) 30 in the zone. In theillustrated embodiment, each radiator 30 has its own valve 32, but inother embodiments, a single valve can be used to control the flow of hotwater to more than one radiator in a respective environmental zone EZ.Each of the illustrated radiator valves 32 is an electronic thermostaticradiator valve.

Referring to FIG. 2 , each radiator valve 32 includes a power supply 34that is operatively connected to an electronic valve positioner 36. Thevalve positioner 36 is configured to selectively adjust the position ofa valve body to open and close the radiator valve 32. For example, inone embodiment, the valve positioner 36 comprises an electric motor andthe power supply 34 comprises a battery. The electric motor 36 drawspower from the battery 36, which drives the motor to adjust the positionof the valve body to open and close the valve 32. Controlling whenand/or the extent to which the radiator valve 32 is opened controls thesupply of hot water to the radiator 30 and thus the temperature of therespective environmental zone EZ.

The electronic thermostatic radiator valve 32 is configured to locallymaintain the temperature of the respective environmental zone EZ at aset point temperature. The radiator valve 32 includes a thermostat 38that is configured to sense the temperature of the respectiveenvironmental zone EZ at the radiator valve and provide feedback controlof the valve positioner 36. The thermostat 38 includes a temperaturesensor 38A configured to sense the environmental temperature of the zoneand a thermostatic controller 38B configured to provide feedback controlof the valve positioner 36 based on the sensed temperature. For example,when the sensor 38A detects a temperature in the environmental zone EZthat is below the set point temperature, the thermostatic controller 38Bcontrols the valve positioner 36 to open the valve 32 and allow more hotwater to flow through the radiator 30. When the sensor 38A detects atemperature in the environmental zone EZ that is at or above the setpoint, the thermostatic controller 38B controls the valve positioner 36to close the valve 32 and restrict or prevent the flow of additional hotwater to the radiator 30. By selectively controlling the flow of hotwater from the boiler 12 to the radiator 30, the thermostat 38 canmaintain the environmental zone at about a predetermined set pointtemperature.

Referring to FIG. 1 , each electronic thermostatic radiator valve 32 isoperatively connected to the central controller 20 to communicate withthe controller. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 20 islocated in the mechanical room MR remote from at least some of theradiator valves 32 in the respective environmental zones EZ. To lowerthe cost of setting up the radiant heating system 10, in certainembodiments, a wireless communications protocol is used to establish aconnection between the radiator valves 32 and the controller 20. Asshown in FIG. 2 , the illustrated radiator valve 32 therefore includes awireless transceiver 40 for exchanging signals with the controller 20.In a suitable embodiment, the transceiver 40 communicates with thecontroller 20 using an RF connection, but other types of wirelessconnections (e.g., Wi-Fi, etc.) or a wired connection can also be usedin other embodiments. As explained in further detail below, thecontroller 20 is configured to transmit control signals to the valves 32that are operative to adjust the operation of the valves to control thetemperatures in the environmental zones. It is understood that, in someembodiments, the valves 32 are also configured to transmit signals tothe controller 20 that are used to provide central control of the zonedclimate control system 10.

In one or more embodiments, the controller 20 is operatively connectedto a user input device 50 to receive user inputs for adjusting the setpoint temperature of any of the thermostatic radiator valves 32. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the central controller 20 is aninternet connected device and the user input device 50 is a mobiledevice, such as a phone or a tablet, which communicates with thecontroller over an internet connection. In other embodiments, thecentral controller can include a local user interface mounted with thecontroller in the mechanical room MR or elsewhere in the building B.Suitably, the user input device 50 for the controller 20 includes anindicator (e.g., a display) configured to provide an indication to theuser of the value of the set point temperature for each of thethermostats 38 in the system 10. In addition, the user input device 50is configured to receive user inputs selecting a new set pointtemperature for any of the thermostats 38. When the user input device 50receives a user input selecting a new set point temperature, ittransmits a user input signal to the controller 20. In response, thecontroller 20 transmits a set point adjustment control signal to thetransceiver 40 of the respective valve 32. The valve 32 receives the setpoint adjustment control signal and adjusts the set point temperature ofthe thermostat 38 to the new user-selected set point temperature.

In addition to the centralized set point temperature adjustmentcapabilities provided by the controller 20, the illustrated heatingsystem 10 is configured to allow a user to make adjustments to the setpoint temperature of an environmental zone at the respective radiatorvalve 32. Referring again to FIG. 2 , the illustrated radiator valve 32includes a local user interface, generally indicated at 60. As explainedbelow, the user interface 60 is located at the valve 32 and provides auser input mechanism 62 that presents to the user simplified controlsfor making incremental adjustments to the set point temperature of thethermostat 38. As further explained below, the user interface 60includes an indicator 64 that provides a local indication of the statusof thermostat 38, including indications of when the thermostat isresponding to adjustments that are made to the set point temperature.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the user interface 60 for the thermostat 38is mounted on a base 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 70 isgenerally cylindrical and includes an end fitting 71 configured tooperatively connect the valve positioner 36 to the hot water plumbingadjacent and upstream of the respective radiator 30. Suitably, the base70 defines an interior chamber sized and arranged to receive thebatteries 34 for powering the valve positioner 36 therein. In certainembodiments, the base 70 includes a removable access panel (not shown)for selectively accessing the enclosure to remove and replace thebatteries 34. The base can have other shapes, sizes, and features inother embodiments.

The user input mechanism 62 of the user interface 60 is operativelymounted on the base 70. In general, the user input mechanism 62 isconfigured to receive user inputs whereby the user interface 60transmits a set point temperature adjustment signal to the thermostat 38that changes the set point temperature to be equal to the environmentaltemperature detected by the temperature sensor 38A, plus or minus apredetermined amount (e.g., the thermostat increases or decreases theset point temperature by 2° C. from the detected environmentaltemperature). In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 82includes a knob 82 (broadly, a user input member) that is mounted on thebase 70 for movement with respect to the base. The illustrated knob 82is rotatably mounted at the free end of the base 70 opposite the endfitting 71. The knob 82 is configured to be rotated by a user withrespect to the base 70 through a range of motion. As shown in FIGS.3A-3C, the range of motion of the knob 82 includes a home position (FIG.3A), a set point decrease position (FIG. 3B), and a set point increaseposition (FIG. 3C). In the illustrated embodiment, the set pointdecrease position (FIG. 3B) is adjacent one end of the range of motion,the set point increase position (FIG. 3C) is adjacent the opposite endof the range of motion, and the home position (FIG. 3A) is about midwaybetween the set point decrease position and the set point increaseposition.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a circuit board 84 is mounted on the base 70 inoperative alignment with the knob 82. Suitably, the circuit board 84includes first and second momentary contact switches (not shown) thatare configured to be activated by movement of the knob 82 to arespective one of the set point decrease position (FIG. 3B) and the setpoint increase position (FIG. 3C). When the knob 82 is moved from thehome position (FIG. 3A) to either of the set point decrease position(FIG. 3B) or the set point increase position (FIG. 3C), it activates therespective momentary contact switch on the circuit board 84 to generatea respective set point decrease signal or set point increase signal. Thethermostat 38 is operatively connected to the circuit board 84 toreceive the signals from the momentary contact switches when they areactivated. For example, in one or more embodiments, the thermostat 38 ismounted on the circuit board 84 and the circuit board includeselectrical traces that connect the thermostat to the momentary contactswitches. In response to the set point decrease signal, thermostat 38adjusts the set point temperature to be equal to the detectedenvironmental temperature, minus the predetermined adjustment amount(e.g., 2° C.). Conversely, in response to the set point increase signal,thermostat 38 adjusts the set point temperature to be equal to thedetected environmental temperature, plus the predetermined adjustmentamount (e.g., 2° C.). In this manner, the user is permitted to makerelative adjustments to the temperature of the particular EZ.

Referring still to FIG. 4 , the illustrated user input mechanism 62further includes a return mechanism that is operatively connected to thebase 70 and the knob 82 to automatically return the knob to the homeposition (FIG. 3A) after it is moved to the set point decrease position(FIG. 3B) or the set point increase position (FIG. 3C). In theillustrated embodiment, the return mechanism includes a resilientlydeformable hub member 88 that is mounted on the base. The hub memberincludes a central portion 88A and a plurality of lugs 88B that extendradially outward from the central portion. A screw 89 fastens the outerend portion of each lug to the base 70 to fix the outer end portion ofthe respective lug in place with respect to the base. The centralportion 88A of the hub member 88 is shaped for interlocking engagementwith the knob 82. For example, the illustrated hub member 88 defines anaxially extending aperture 90 that is keyed to a stem portion 92 of theknob 82 and a plurality of locking prongs 94 that extend axially througha hole in the circuit board 84 into corresponding receptacles (notshown) in the knob 82. The interlocking features of the knob 82 andcentral portion 88B of the hub member 88 inhibit relative rotationbetween the central portion of the hub member and the knob. Thus, whenthe knob is rotated from the home position (FIG. 3A) to one of the setpoint decrease position (FIG. 3B) or set point increase position (FIG.3C), the central portion of the hub member rotates with the knob withrespect to the base 70. But since the lugs 88B of the hub member 88 arefixed in place with respect to the base 70, they are deformed toaccommodate rotation of the central portion 88A. Since the lugs 88B aremade of a resiliently deformable material, after the rotational forcethat deforms the lugs is released, they return to their non-deformedshapes, which likewise returns the central portion 88A and the knob 82to the home position. Although the illustrated embodiment uses theresilient hub member 88 to automatically return the knob 82 to the homeposition (FIG. 3A), other embodiments can use other return mechanismswithout departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3C, in addition to the user input mechanism 62, theillustrated user interface 60 also includes the indicator 64, which isconfigured to provide an indication of adjustments that are made to theset point temperature while concealing the value of the set pointtemperature from the user (i.e., the indicator does not display thevalue of the set point temperature to the user). In the illustratedembodiment, the indicator 64 comprises an indicator light panel. Otherindicators, such as an audio indicator, may also be used in otherembodiments. As shown in FIG. 3A, the indicator light panel 64 includesa home light 64A that is generally circumferentially aligned with thehome position of the knob 82 about the axis of rotation of the knob(e.g., the home light 64A is circumferentially aligned with a radiallyprotruding indicator spline of the knob 82 in the illustratedembodiment). As shown in FIG. 3B, the indicator light panel 64 alsoincludes a set point decrease light 64B that is generallycircumferentially aligned with the set point decrease position of theknob 82. As shown in FIG. 3C, the indicator light panel 64 furtherincludes a set point increase light 64C that is generallycircumferentially aligned with the set point increase position of theknob 82. Suitably, each of the lights 64A-64C comprises a light emittingdiode configured to emit one or more colors of light when illuminated.In one or more embodiments, the set point decrease light 64B isconfigured to emit at least blue light, which is commonly understood torepresent cool temperatures; and the set point increase light 64C isconfigured to emit at least red light, which is commonly understood torepresent warm temperatures. Although the illustrated embodiment uses athree-light indicator panel 64, other types of indicators can also beused in other embodiments. Suitably, however, certain embodiments willconceal (i.e., refrain from displaying) the set point temperature andthe detected temperature to the user in order to conserve power andlimit the information provided to the user to that which is necessary touse the thermostat 38 to maintain a comfortable environmentaltemperature.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the indicator light panel 64 is operativelyconnected to an indicator controller 102 that is configured toselectively illuminate the indicator lights 64A-64C. Suitably, theindicator controller 102 is configured to illuminate the set pointdecrease indicator light 64B when the set point temperature is less thanthe environmental temperature detected by the temperature sensor 38A.For example, after the user twists the knob 82 to the set point decreaseposition (FIG. 3B) and the set point temperature is reduced from thedetected environmental temperature by the predetermined adjustmentamount, the set point temperature will be less than the environmentaltemperature and the indicator controller 102 will illuminate the setpoint decrease indicator light 64B. Likewise, after the user twists theknob 82 to the set point increase position (FIG. 3C) and the set pointtemperature is increased from the detected environmental temperature bythe predetermined adjustment amount, the set point temperature will begreater than the environmental temperature and the indicator controller102 will illuminate the set point increase indicator light 64C. Once thedetected environmental temperature reaches or approaches the new setpoint temperature (e.g., the detected environmental temperature differsfrom the set point temperature by no more than the absolute value of apredetermined temperature difference), the indicator controller 102deactivates the respective indicator light 64A, 64B. The set pointdecrease and increase indicator lights 64B, 64C can also be activatedand deactivated based on other control logic in other embodiments. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the indicator controller 102 isconnected to the momentary contact switches of the circuit board 84 todetermine when an adjustment is made and to selectively illuminate therespective indicator light 64B, 64C after the adjustment is made for apredetermined amount of time that generally corresponds with the amountof time required to adjust the temperature of the environmental zone.

As can now be appreciated, the indicator controller 102 selectivelyilluminates the lights 64B, 64C to provide the user an indication thatthe heating system 10 is currently adjusting the temperature of theenvironmental zone EZ. When neither of the indicator lights 64B, 64C isilluminated, the indicator light panel 64 provides an indication that noadjustments are presently being made. Together, these indications helpthe user distinguish between when a set point adjustment using the knob82 might help achieve a comfortable environmental temperature (i.e.,when the indicator lights 64B, 64C are turned off) and when anadditional set point adjustment is unnecessary because the system 10 isalready making an adjustment (i.e., when one of the indicator lights64B, 64C is turned on). In typical use, the user will not require anyadditional information to determine whether an additional set pointadjustment would improve the environmental temperature of the zone EZ.Thus, the indicator lights 64B, 64C are selectively illuminated withoutidentifying the value of the set point temperature or detectedenvironmental temperature, which is superfluous information that cancreate unnecessary confusion.

In one or more embodiments, the indicator light panel 64 is also used toprovide additional indications to the user. For example, the indicatorcontroller 102 may be configured to selectively illuminate the homelight 64A and/or one or more of the other lights 64B, 64C in one or morecolors to provide status indications during system setup and/or toprovide an indication of a system error. Still other uses of theindicator light panel 64 are also possible without departing from thescope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the illustrated user interface 60 further includesa set point lockout controller 110. The set point lockout controller 110is operatively connected to the thermostat 38 to determine when atemperature adjustment is being made. For example, in certainembodiments, the lockout controller 110 is configured to receive thetemperature signal from the temperature sensor 38A of the thermostat anduse the temperature signal to determine when the temperature of theenvironmental zone EZ differs from the set point temperature by morethan a predetermined maximum temperature offset (e.g., when the detectedenvironmental temperature differs from the set point temperature by amaximum offset of at least about 2° C.). When the lockout controller 110determines that the set point temperature exceeds the detectedtemperature by more than the maximum offset, it is configured to preventa further increase to the set point temperature in response to movementof the knob 82 (i.e., the lockout controller 110 locks the user out frommaking a further increase to the temperature set point). Likewise, whenthe lockout controller 110 determines that the detected temperatureexceeds the set point temperature by more than the maximum offset, it isconfigured to prevent a further decrease to the set point temperature inresponse to movement of the knob 82. When the difference between the setpoint temperature and the detected temperature is less than thepredetermined offset, the set point lockout controller 110 is configuredto permit adjustment of the set point temperature using the knob 82. Itcan therefore be seen that the set point lockout controller prevents thelay user who is attempting to adjust the heating system 10 from withinan environmental zone from making set point temperature adjustments thatare likely to be unnecessary or to result in an excessive change oftemperature in the environmental zone EZ. Moreover, because both the setpoint adjustment and the lockout controls use the detected environmentaltemperature as a reference point (i.e., a set point adjustment using theknob 82 generates a new set point temperature that is equal to thedetected temperature, plus or minus a predetermined amount; and lockoutoccurs when the detected temperature already differs from the detectedtemperature by at least the predetermined maximum offset), even when thelockout controller 110 prevents the user from further adjusting the setpoint temperature, the heating system 10 will still be functioning toadjust the environmental temperature in the zone EZ as the userintended. The lockout controller 110 merely prevents the user fromover-adjusting the temperature of the zone EZ.

A method of using the heating system 10 to control the temperatures inthe environmental zones EZ will now be briefly described. When theelectronic thermostatic radiator valves 32 are initially installed inthe building B, the thermostats 38 operate at default set pointtemperatures. To select a new set point temperature value, a user canaccess the mobile device 50 and provide a user input selecting thedesired temperature value for the set point of each environmental zoneEZ. During ordinary use, if a user determines that the environmentaltemperature in any environmental zone is too hot or too cold, the usercan make an adjustment to the set point temperature using the userinterface 60. If the temperature in the environmental zone EZ is toohot, the user rotates the knob 82 from the home position (FIG. 3A) tothe set point decrease position (FIG. 3B); or if the temperature in theenvironmental zone EZ is too cold, the user rotates the knob from thehome position to the set point increase position (FIG. 3C). In eachcase, the thermostat controller 38B automatically changes the set pointtemperature to the detected temperature, plus or minus the predeterminedadjustment amount (e.g., 2° F.). Depending on the system configuration,the decrease or increase in the set point temperature can either be apermanent change to the set point temperature or a temporary change(i.e., the controller 20 can automatically return the set pointtemperature to its previous or default value after a predeterminedamount of time has passed following the set point adjustment). After theuser adjusts the set point temperature, the indicator controller 102automatically illuminates the respective indicator light 64A, 64B untilthe detected environmental temperature approaches the new set pointtemperature. And until the difference between the new set pointtemperature and the detected environmental temperature is less than themaximum temperature offset, the set point lockout controller 110prevents the user from making a further adjustment to the set pointtemperature using the user interface 60.

As can be seen, the illustrated thermostatic user interface 60 providesintuitive controls for adjusting the set point temperature of anenvironmental control system in an efficient and effective manner. Theuser interface 60 provides a simple indicator panel that limits theamount of information provided to the user to only that which isnecessary to allow the user to maintain the environmental zone at acomfortable temperature. The lockout controller 110 prevents the userfrom overcorrecting when the user finds the environment too hot or toocold, and the input mechanism 82 provides intuitive controls that mimicthe well understood control scheme of a domestic water knob.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. Asvarious changes could be made in the above constructions, products, andmethods without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A user interface for adjusting a set pointtemperature of a thermostat configured to thermostatically control aradiator valve to selectively convey heating fluid to a radiator toadjust an environmental temperature toward the set point temperature,the user interface comprising: a user input mechanism including a baseand a user input member that is selectively moveable with respect to thebase and is operatively connected to the thermostat to adjust the setpoint temperature of the thermostat in response to movement of the userinput member with respect to the base; and a set point lockoutcontroller configured to determine when the environmental temperaturediffers from the set point temperature by more than a predeterminedmaximum offset and to prevent further adjustment to the set pointtemperature in response to movement of the user input member while theenvironmental temperature differs from the set point temperature by morethan the predetermined maximum offset.
 2. The user interface as setforth in claim 1 wherein the set point lockout controller is configuredto permit adjustment to the set point temperature in response tomovement of the user input member when the environmental temperaturediffers from the set point temperature by less than the predeterminedmaximum offset.
 3. The user interface as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe user input member is movable with respect to the base through arange of motion including a home position, a set point decreaseposition, and a set point increase position, the user input member beingconfigured to decrease the set point temperature when the user inputmember is moved from the home position to the set point decreaseposition and to increase the set point temperature when the user inputmember is moved from the home position to the set point increaseposition.
 4. The user interface as set forth in claim 3 wherein the setpoint lockout controller is configured to prevent further increase inthe set point temperature in response to movement of the user inputmember to the set point increase position while the environmentaltemperature is less than the set point temperature by an amount morethan the predetermined maximum offset and to prevent further decrease inthe set point temperature in response to movement of the user inputmember to the set point decrease position while the environmentaltemperature is greater than the set point temperature by an amount morethan the predetermined maximum offset.
 5. The user interface as setforth in claim 3 further comprising: an indicator light panel mounted onthe base and including at least a set point decrease light aligned withthe set point decrease position of the user input member and a set pointincrease light aligned with the set point increase position of the userinput member; and an indicator controller for controlling the indicatorlight panel configured to illuminate the set point decrease light whenthe user interface is used to decrease a set point temperature and toilluminate the set point increase light when the user interface is usedto increase the set point temperature.
 6. The user interface as setforth in claim 5 wherein the indicator controller is configured toilluminate the set point increase light and the set point decrease lightafter increasing and decreasing the set point temperature, respectfully,until the environmental temperature approaches the increased anddecreased set point temperature, respectfully.
 7. The user interface asset forth in claim 5 wherein the indicator controller is configured toilluminate the set point decrease light when the set point temperatureis less than the environmental temperature and configured to illuminatethe set point increase light when the set point temperature is greaterthan the environmental temperature.
 8. The user interface as set forthin claim 5 in combination with said thermostat, wherein when the userinput member is moved to the set point increase position and the setpoint decrease position the thermostat is configured to change the setpoint temperature to a temperature equal to the environmentaltemperature plus a predetermined adjustment amount and to a temperatureequal to the environmental temperature minus a predetermined adjustmentamount, respectively.
 9. The user interface as set forth in claim 5wherein the user input member comprises a knob mounted on the base forrotation with respect to the base about an axis and the set pointdecrease light and the set point increase light are circumferentiallyspaced apart about the axis.
 10. The user interface as set forth inclaim 9 wherein the knob comprises an indicator at a circumferentialposition of the knob that is shaped and arranged to be aligned with theset point decrease light when the knob is in the set position decreaseposition and aligned with the set point increase light when the knob isin the set point increase position.
 11. The user interface as set forthin claim 5 wherein the user interface is free of any outward indicationof a numerical value of the set point temperature.
 12. The userinterface as set forth in claim 5 wherein the set point decrease lightis configured to emit blue light and the set point increase light isconfigured to emit red light.
 13. The user interface as set forth inclaim 1 in combination with the thermostat, the thermostat beingconfigured to control the radiator valve to adjust the environmentaltemperature toward the set point temperature while the lockoutcontroller prevents further adjustment to the set point temperature.